Planning a 2025 Marketing Budget for Small Businesses

If you’re a small business owner in rural Fond du Lac County with annual revenue under $100,000, planning your marketing budget for 2025 may seem like a daunting task. You may feel like you have to stretch every dollar to make an impact, especially when you’re competing for attention both online and in your local community.

But let’s be real—marketing is essential for growth, even on a modest budget.

Why Allocate 7-10% of Revenue for Marketing Budget?

First, let’s talk about that magic percentage. Marketing experts generally suggest setting aside 7-8% of your annual revenue for marketing if you want to maintain your market position, and up to 10-12% if you’re aiming for growth. For a business making less than $100,000 annually, this means you’re looking at a budget of around $7,000 to $10,000 for the entire year.

"...7-8% of your annual revenue for marketing if you want to maintain your market position, and up to 10-12% if you’re aiming for growth"

This might seem small, but it’s incredibly important that those dollars are invested wisely. So, let’s break it down into strategic areas that will deliver the highest return for your rural business.

Where to Spend That Budget?

In rural Wisconsin, the key is local visibility and making sure your business stands out both in your community and online. But with limited funds, where do you focus your dollars?

1. Digital Marketing: This will likely be your biggest investment, and for good reason. Paid social media ads (like Facebook Ads) and Google Ads can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 a month, depending on how aggressively you want to promote your business. In a small town, you don’t need to go overboard—just targeting the right local audience can go a long way. Plus, digital marketing allows you to track results, ensuring your dollars are driving traffic and engagement.

   1. If you’ve got an eCommerce component, digital ad spend may skew higher as you try to broaden your reach to surrounding communities. Think of it this way: in a rural market, it’s not about reaching more people; it’s about reaching the right people.

      
      

2. Website & SEO: If you don’t already have a strong website, this should be a priority. On average, maintaining and optimizing a website can cost around $1,500 to $4,000 per year. Your website is the digital storefront for your business, and with effective SEO, you’ll rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for local customers to find you. SEO is an essential investment if you want to capture foot traffic and online orders—especially as mobile searches for "near me" businesses continue to grow.

   
   

3. Community Engagement: In a rural area, there’s something special about building a strong, local brand. Community events, sponsorships, or even donating a product or service for local raffles can keep your name top-of-mind. Costs for these kinds of initiatives can range from $500 to $1,500 annually, but the value you get from brand recognition in a close-knit community is priceless.

"Your website is the digital storefront for your business, and with effective SEO, you’ll rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for local customers to find you."

Be Intentional, Be Strategic

As you plan for 2025, you want to make sure every dollar you spend works toward bringing you a return on investment (ROI). That’s where working with a marketing professional who understands your local market can be a game-changer. They’ll help you navigate what’s worth the spend—whether it's a targeted social media campaign or strategic partnerships with local organizations.

"That’s where working with a marketing professional who understands your local market can be a game-changer."

Does creating and running a marketing budget sound overwhelming or unattainable? We understand. Planning a marketing budget—especially with limited resources—can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. At Stone House Digital, we specialize in helping small business owners like you make smart, strategic decisions that align with your revenue and goals. Whether you’re unsure where to start, or just need help fine-tuning your marketing efforts, we’ve got you covered.

Let us take the guesswork out of the equation, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business. Reach out today, and together, we’ll create a marketing strategy that’s both attainable and impactful, setting your business up for success in 2025 and beyond.